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Friday, August 20, 2010

The Call's Michael Been remembered

The Call in 1990, from left to right: Tom Ferrier, Scott Musick, Michael Been, and Jim Goodwin.

I was just preparing a post on several John Lennon-related news items (Lennon would have turned 70 this coming October 9), when I saw a news release in my inbox early this morning that Call singer-songwriter Michael Been has just died. I am floored. I was a long-time fan of the Call. I can remember back in the mid-1980s when I delivered a paper route, I used to drive around in the middle of the night cranking up the band's epic album Reconciled, a 1986 release I consider to be one of the best albums of that decade. I saw the band perform at The Coach House in 1990 when the band was on its Red Moon tour and it was an incredible show. If my memory serves me well, the show that I attended ended up as the band's live disc Live Under the Red Moon released in October 2000. My prayers go out to the friends and family of Michael Been.

Here is the release and I'll be playing lots of Call this weekend for sure.

MICHAEL BEEN OF THE CALL, AND FATHER OF BLACK REBEL MOTORCYCLE CLUB'S ROBERT BEEN, PASSES AWAY TODAY IN BELGIUM

LOS ANGELES, CA - August, 19, 2010 - Michael Been, vocalist and guitarist of '80s band The Call, and father of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club's Robert Been, passed away today in Belgium, after suffering a heart attack backstage. Been was on tour with Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, acting as their sound engineer. He was 60.

The Call erupted on the scene with a passionate sound and a strong political message, and earned numerous hits, including "The Walls Came Down," "I Still Believe (Great Design)" and "Let the Day Begin," which climbed to #1 on the Rock chart. Their fans included Peter Gabriel, Robbie Robertson, and Bono, all contributing to albums, and Gabriel deeming them "the future of American music."

Been was not only the father of Robert Been but a significant part of BRMC's development. Often referenced as their fourth member, Been spent countless hours in the studio acting in many roles from mentor and guide, to helping the now internationally revered band capture their sound to tape. He acted as co-producer and engineer on numerous BRMC albums and was their loyal sound engineer for as many years.